Voter Registration Information for State of Rhode Island

To register to vote in the State of Rhode Island an individual must meet the following qualifications:

Be a United States Citizen

Be a resident of Rhode Island

Be at least 18 years of age by the time of the election

Not be in jail or serving a sentence for conviction of any felony

Not be on parole or probation for conviction of any felony

Not be under any suspended sentence, probation or parole - regardless of a nolo contendere plea - for any felony committed after November 5, 1986

Not be presently judged "mentally incompetent" by a court of law

Must register to vote at least 30 days before the election.
Can change party affiliation 90 days before the election or select party affiliation at the polls.

Can register to vote in person or obtain a mail-in application from:

Local Board of Canvassers or RI Board of Elections

Division of motor vehicles

Aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) office

Medicaid offices

Food stamp offices

Women, infants and children (WIC) benefits offices

Agencies that provide services to people with disabilities

Other state agencies which serve the public

You can also obtain an online voter registration application in English or Spanish.

Absentee Voting:

An absentee ballot can be requested through your local board of canvassers. An application is also available online.

The deadline to apply for a regular absentee ballot falls on the 21st day prior to the election.

The application must be filled out, witnessed or notarized and delivered to the local Board so that it is received no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 21st day before the election or primary in which you wish to vote. The application may be mailed, picked up by you or personally delivered by a person acting at your request. All applications for mail ballots must be notarized OR witnessed by 2 persons who must sign their names and addresses.

Completed ballots may be mailed or hand-delivered to the local Board of Canvassers. The deadline for submitting a ballot is 9:00 p.m. on Election Day.